You’ve got through one month of 2026, and what’s your reward? Ah yes, another dose of eShop Selects!
The Switch 2 has kicked off the year in relatively calm fashion, but before the mad Spring rush hits us, let’s look at some eShop gems that are worth checking out. Yes, there are games other than Animal Crossing: New Horizon out there, we promise.
Here’s how this works: same as ever, our writers and contributors vote for their top three eShop games from January 2026 from titles we’ve reviewed, and the three games with the highest scores will make the podium.
Honourable mentions
It’s been a surprisingly busy January in terms of news and releases — Animal Crossing, Final Fantasy VII, two whole Directs on the SuperMario Galaxy Movie and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream — but the eShop exclusives have been a little on the quieter side on the review front.
Still, we have four games that made the cut this time around, all scoring 7/10 and above. That leaves one honourable mention, and then the top three:
The Switch 2’s more-powerful hardware has really opened the door for all types of sports and racing games to make the jump onto Nintendo’s console, and GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition has pulled up at the starting line to help get the driving going.
January has been a pretty impressive month for technical ports, and GRID Legends is among the very best. 60fps is the way to go here, but there are multiple different graphics settings you can play around with in both handheld and docked. That’s still a rarity on Switch 2 right now, and we hope GRID sets the standard for other developers.
Put all of that together, along with top-notch racing mechanics, and you’ve got an excellent 8/10 racer on your hands. Just maybe pull out the GameCube controller for this one.
Speaking of great-looking games on Switch 2, MIO: Memories in Orbit is already one of the most-stunning on the console, with a beautiful spaceship-like vessel adorned in pastels and scribbles and an eerie, ethereal atmosphere that helps carry you along the adventure.
The platforming in this Metroidvania can be tough-as-nails, but when you master the movement in this game, it’s sublime. The combat doesn’t always work for us, but everything else elevates MIO from being ‘just another action platformer’ into a beautiful one that will stick with us.
MIO is our second 8/10 in this top three, just beating out GRID in the votes game by one. Turns out a robot in space is faster than a car.
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If you’ve been paying attention to gaming news and releases, then you probably saw this one coming — AdHoc’s Dispatch was the runaway winner this month, and with good reason: it’s fantastic, and a true return-to-form for the Telltale-style of gameplay.
Which makes sense, as former Telltale devs worked on this superhero comedy caper, that goes everywhere from rude jokes to explicit moments, but even has plenty of touching scenes and a little bit of romance. The censorship drama might be sucking the air out of things at the moment, but take it from us — regardless of where you play Dispatch, you’ll have a great time.
As both the victor and the highest-scoring game of the bunch with a 9/10, Dispatch takes the top spot on the podium. Congrats, Robert Robertson and everyone at the Superhero Dispatch Network!
Do you agree with our ranking? Tell us about your favourite eShop releases of last month by voting in our poll and sharing your thoughts in the comments.
What’s your favourite January 2026 eShop game from our picks? (158 votes)
Cassette Boy (Switch eShop)8%
Dispatch Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)41%
GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition (Switch 2)26%
MIO: Memories in Orbit (Switch 2)25%
How we decide our eShop Selects top three: As we reach the end of every month, the Nintendo Life staff vote on their favourite titles from a list of games selected by the editorial team. To qualify for this list, these games must have been released as a digital-only Nintendo Switch eShop title in that particular month, and must have been reviewed on Nintendo Life; we select the qualifying games based on their review scores.
Staff are then asked to vote for three games that they think deserve to sit right at the very top of that list; first choice gets three points, second choice gets two points, and third choice gets one point. These votes are then tallied to create a top-three list, with the overall winner taking that month’s top prize.
We’re well into 2026 now, having made it through a long January into the shortest month of the year – short in days, that is, but hardly short on games.
Nintendo is back on court with a brand new Mario Tennis and Dragon Quest 7 is getting ‘Reimagined’, for starters. But the biggest RE-release this month sees an old evil taking up residence, and it’s arriving day and date with other platforms. We’re especially excited about that one.
As you’ll see, there’s loads more to come besides. Below, we’ve highlighted the most exciting Switch 2 (and 1) games coming in the next two months. You’ll find more great games beneath our top picks, as well as a bunch of Switch (2) accessories.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Another spruced-up classic coming from Square Enix, we last saw this enormous PlayStation entry in remade form on 3DS and we’re keen to see how this totally rebuilt version stacks up.
Please note that this one is a Game-Key Card on Switch 2.
Fix the past, save the present! Gather your companions and travel beyond the shores of your kingdom to discover why it is the only remaining island in the world in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
The latest in the series following Mario Tennis Aces on Switch, the plumber and co. are back on the courts, mixing in unconventional racquet techniques and pyrotechnics with everyone’s favourite net-based sport. No, not that one. Or that one. No, tennis. C’mon, it’s in the name.
Join Mario and friends for over-the-top tennis mayhem! Use topspins, slices, lobs, and other familiar shots—along with other fancy footwork and new defensive maneuvers—to outpace your opponents on the court. Keep a rally going, build up your Fever Gauge, and unleash powerful Fever Shots that can be augmented with special effects by equipping Fever Rackets!
Nintendo gamers were denied the pleasures of Sega’s Yakuza series for so long, but no longer. Following on from Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and 2, the next entry in the reworked Kiwami series is almost here and it promises “major hints” towards the series’ future.
And following a familiar pattern, this one is a Game-Key Card, too.
Continue the story of Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect those he cares about most in an extreme remake of Yakuza 3 that evolves every aspect of the beloved game. The bustling streets of Okinawa and Tokyo come to life in stunning detail with reimagined combat taking brutal brawling action to the next level. Added scenes deliver more depth and emotion to the story with new and enhanced side experiences that immerse you in the world like never before, and more.
Additionally, experience the brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 in an included separate game. Two men will walk different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of fate.
The big one. A brand new entry in the survival horror series getting a day-and-date release on a Nintendo console alongside all other platforms is a cause for celebration. Fingers crossed the game’s good.
It’s worth noting that both RE7 and RE8 are launching in Gold Edition form for Switch 2 on the same day, as well. The Generation Pack bundles all three games, though remember that they are all Game-Key Cards.
A new era of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest and most immersive entry yet in the iconic Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.
Bringing life-sim, Animal Crossing-style elements to the world of Pokémon, you might say that we should have been playing a game like this years ago. Better late than never, though.
As noted above, the physical edition of this is a Game-Key Card – to date, a lone outlier in Nintendo-published Switch 2 games.
Play as a Ditto that has transformed to look like a human! Find and befriend your fellow Pokémon, carve out a life for yourself, and work together with Professor Tangrowth to build a town for everyone to live in. Learn the moves of your fellow Pokémon to change the land, such as Bulbasaur’s Leafage to make the wild grass grow. You can also use abilities to transform and navigate the world around you, such as crossing water with Lapras’s Surf.
If a triple hit of Resident Evil hasn’t left you sufficiently brown-trousered, how about a (second) remake of one of the most chilling horror games ever? This one’s a Game-Key Card, too.
FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is a Japanese horror adventure game and serves as a full remake of the second instalment in the FATAL FRAME (PROJECT ZERO) series. The story follows twin sisters Mio and Mayu as they wander into an abandoned village infested with wraiths. The only way to defend against them is with the use of the Camera Obscura.
Capcom’s back just a couple of weeks after Requiem with the third entry in this excellent Monster Hunter side-series. We’re keen to see how it compares to the previous entries in this soon-to-be trilogy.
And yes, another Game-Key Card (last one).
Azuria and Vermeil: two countries, on a path to destruction. When all hope seems lost, an egg is found. Inside is a Rathalos, a species thought to be extinct. But this quavering light of hope is quickly extinguished, giving way to the darkness of despair. Born from the egg is not a single Rathalos, but twins, bearing the Skyscale marking that hearkens back to the disastrous civil war of 200 years prior.
And at the end of March, it’s a second round of Wonder with added minigames and Rosalina and Luma joining the crew of playable characters just in time for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to drop on 1st April. Fingers crossed this upgrade has enough substance to warrant another meetup.
• Explore Bellabel Park, an area newly discovered within the Flower Kingdom with your friends and play various multiplayer attractions • Take on all seven of the Koopalings in newly added boss courses scattered throughout the Flower Kingdom • Choose from an even larger cast of characters in this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game, which now adds Rosalina and Co-Star Luma to the existing cast • Grab the Super Flower Pot power-up to transform into a flower form and throw flowers • Even if your friends don’t have the game, play with them using GameShare locally or online
More Upcoming Games for February & March 2026
As well as those picks above, there are plenty more Switch 1 & 2 retail games launching in the next couple of months (and a bit beyond).
New Switch 2 Accessories & eShop Credit
Finally, here’s a selection of Switch 2 accessories coming soon, and our Switch 2 buyer’s guides if you’re looking for something in particular.
Howdy, Virtual Boy fans! Welcome to another edition of Box Art Brawl!
Last time, we matched up a pair of covers for Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island, and it was a pretty close-run contest. The classic SMW2 art came out on top in the end, though, with North America taking 59% of the vote, leaving the pretty Japanese variant with 41%.
This week, to mark the announcement of the Virtual Boy’s Nintendo Switch Online launch line-up, we’re taking a look at one of the titles that you’ll be able to play from 17th February: Red Alarm. This Star Fox-style space shooter joins the likes of Teleroboxer and Virtual Boy Wario Land on the service right from the jump, so it seems only right that we all become acquainted with its box art ahead of time.
Being a Virtual Boy title, there’s obviously no European cover to look at this week, but the North American and Japanese designs make for a neat head-to-head. So, let’s get into it.
The North American box art is just about as bright and colourful as they come. It’s packed full of action with ships, explosions, a trench run backdrop vaguely reminiscent of the Death Star, and one of those green-outline maps that you only ever find in spy thrillers. Sure, it couldn’t look less like the actual game, but it does a good job of selling the experience
Ooooh, the Japanese design goes full Top Gun. This is less about action and more about looking cool (something that’s not so simple with a Virtual Boy headset strapped to your noggin). Be it the muted colour palette of blacks and reds — a more realistic image of the vibrancy you’ll see in game — or the badass ship reflection in the central pilot’s visor, this cover oozes cool.
Which region got the best Red Alarm box art? (1,135 votes)
North America55%
Japan45%
Thanks for voting! We’ll see you next time for another Box Art Brawl.
Pokémon Pokopia is a whole new take on the world of Pokémon, where you’ll be able to farm, grow veggies, collect resources, build things, decorate, and of course, make friends with many different Pokémon.
With the game scheduled to arrive on the Switch 2 on 5th March 2026, more pre-order bonuses are now beginning to surface online. As highlighted by Serebii.net, the latest one is available on Amazon in the US and Best Buy in Canada.
If you order the game from either of these places before the release date, you’ll get a download code for a ‘Flat Leaf Plant’ item, which can be used to decorate spaces in the game. The same bonus has been previously made available on the Amazon store in Japan.
Image: via Serebii.net / The Pokémon Company
If you’re not planning on getting Pokémon Pokopia from these stores, you’ll apparently still be able to get this plant through regular gameplay. So no trainer should miss out!
Once again, Pokémon Pokopia launches exclusively for the Switch 2 this March. You can see what other pre-order offers and bonuses there are in our guide here on Nintendo Life, and find out more about the game in our previous coverage.
Will you be pre-ordering this game? Let us know in the comments.
Octopath Traveler 0 made its debut on the Switch and Switch 2 late last year, and to get the new year underway, Square Enix has now released another update for this new entry in the established HD-2D role-playing series.
This update includes improvements to the game’s performance, sound quality, and a handful of other fixes. Here’s the full rundown, and if there are any other details shared about this update, we’ll let you know.
Octopath Traveler 0 Update – 30th January 2026
Update Notice:
An update with the following changes was rolled out on the date listed below.
Release Notes:
Improved sound quality
Improved overall game performance
Fixed an issue where the museum’s interior would not change after upgrading it
Fixed an issue where achievements would not unlock as normal on some platforms
Fixed an issue where data would not save correctly on some platforms
Release Date – January 30, 2026
We hope you continue to enjoy Octopath Traveler 0
If you haven’t already tried out this game on the Switch or Switch 2, there’s a demo available on the eShop. Save data will also carry over to the full game if you decide to purchase it.
In our Switch 2 review, we called Octopath Traveler 0 a ‘victory lap’ for the beloved series, awarding it nine out of ten stars.
“Even if it’s a retread in some ways, though, an absolutely monstrous amount of content, interesting new gameplay elements, gorgeous visuals, and compelling storytelling all come together to make Octopath Traveler 0 a must-buy.”
Have you tried out this game on the Switch or Switch 2 yet? Let us know in the comments.
For past me, the idea of 3D printing — just the mention of it, the sound of the words — always conjured up images of stuff like Tom Cruise and his wee red balls in Minority Report.
I know, the ‘precog’ machine in that particular movie wasn’t really a 3D printer, and Tom’s wee red balls seemed to be made of some sort of weird wood rather than filament, but it was the same sort of magic inside my simple mind, and the first time I’d considered a machine that could create a fully 3D object in this way. So the two are forever connected, I’m afraid.
Now that I am the owner of a 3D printer, now that we live in the actual future, and not that far off from where Tom Cruise and his wee red balls (and that really angry dude with the blonde hair) exist, I have to say, it feels rather mind-blowing to be able to create so many things so very readily.
I’m excited, is what I’m trying to say, and as a very excited gamer, you can bet your bottom Rupee that the first thing I’ve done with my precious new printer is dive headlong into a whole new world of knocking out my own accessories and smart little bits and bobs for my beloved Nintendo consoles. Oh yes, my sweet babies, daddy is going to take care of you now, you better believe it.
Sorry. Yes. I’ve been busy pumping rolls of filament into a big noisy machine that’s currently located in my sitting room (*cries in wife*), browsing all of the sites and taking all of the notes on the best unofficial docks, grips, cartridge holders (and lots more) that are currently out there for 3D-printing fiends.
So, without any more nonsense, let’s get on with taking a look at some of the best I’ve found and printed thus far, shall we?
A quick lesson in 3D printing jargon
To be as helpful as possible to anyone who might be browsing for something to 3D-print, I’ll be dropping the time it takes to print off each of the objects I’ve made, as well as how much filament I’ve used to create each one. So, let’s talk about a few simple things first.
There are different types of 3D printer out there. You could go with a resin one, which I have heard does slightly better fine details on models, or, like me, roll with a filament machine. This was an easy choice in my case as I have a busy house and some companies, such as Bambu Labs (other brands are available, but it’s Bambu Labs’ P1S with AMS that I’m using here) have got a sort of Apple design aspect going on that makes it so you can have a printer in your house and it almost looks nice, and without any unreasonably bad mess or fuss. Well, it’s a bit noisy sometimes, but not so much that it keeps me awake on a night print.
Image: PJ O’Reilly / Nintendo Life
Filament is bought in rolls of colour ranging from bog-standard to fancy with reflective textures, wood effect, glow in the dark, holographic – basically anything you can think of. There are also different types, grades and levels of filament for different jobs. Oh, and you can change out your printing plate for different textured finishes on your plastic creations, too. So maybe you’ll want a brick-grid one for Mario walls, that sort of thing.
For the models below, I’m keeping everything as cheap as possible, using basic PLA filament from a generic brand, but you could also grab PLA+ and onwards and upwards into tough and hard-wearing varieties, or go in other directions for the appropriate material to build, for example, a light and flexible insole for your shoe.
Where to find the designs to print
All of the designs I’ve used can be found at Makerworld.com, or you can also grab them off the Bambu Handy app, if you’ve already got that installed on a device, and I’ll drop links to the creations as we go through them as well!
All the best stuff I’ve 3D-printed so far
Mario Warp Pipe Controller Stand (with storage for 7 game carts)
This was my first Switch-related print, and it’s a belter!
A nice, easy first print to get started, with no complications such as adding supports or any of that nonsense. This controller holder includes the warp pipe itself along with a smart little insert which can manage a grand total of seven of your precious Switch carts.
I had no green filament left when I printed this off, so I’ve gone with an orange one, but I will be painting it gold very shortly with some acrylic paint! Yessir. SPECIAL PIPE.
I actually wanted one of these, and so instead of stumping up a wad of cash-cash-money, I’ve quickly knocked out this very impressive alternative.
There’s not much that can go wrong with this sort of design, except perhaps the smaller attachments that keep the Joy-Con in place, but there were zero issues and it’s a great fit. In terms of toughness and look/feel, it’s also just as good as anything I’d likely find in a store.
To use, you hook on the left and right locking grip, by attaching to the top and bottom of your Joy-Con, then insert the controller into the main body of the grip to push the lock in there permanently. You can now easily click your Joy-Con in and out. Also, it’s really light grip, so bonus points for comfort.
Time To Print: Main Body takes 1.2 hours, whilst the left and right locking grips are 10 minutes each Filament Cost: 25g for the main body, and 10g per grip lock, for a total of 45g Creator/Creation Link:Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Snap Lock Grip By Manabun Lab
Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Game Display Storage – 10 Slot Version
This very useful display storage is well worth printing out for any serious (and very professional) Switch gamer, such as myself, as not only can it hold lots of lovely game cases and some carts at the front (with gaps so you can see their stickers!), it can also be added to a clever wall-mounted system – for which you print off a few extra parts.
Also, the size can be adjusted from a 4-case holder all the way up to a big 18 model. So there’s lots of choice here, and you can add to the storage over time. I’ve gone with the 10 slot version for this print, and I’ll be honest, I should have gone with the 4 because I’m a very futuristic man who is almost 100% digital on the Switch game front these days. Physical media is Dickensian in my eyes. That’s right, take your ‘cartridges’ out of my sight.
Why waste time printing off an entire dock when you can just make a faceplate to hide the unrelenting grim blackness (looks dark grey to me, to be honest) of Nintendo’s vanilla offering? This is my biggest print thus far, clocking in at 6.5 hours and costing 204g of tasty filament, but the result, especially if you choose a snazzy filament or paint the result, is well worth it!
There are tons of cool Nintendo-themed plates and docks to choose from out there, and you could go crazy with fancy filaments such as gun metal and realistically shiny gold to really make this Zelda one pop off. Also, the design I’ve printed off here, which I’ve linked to below, has a whole bunch of other covers to choose from once you click into its printing screen.
As you can see, I’ve been a right bore and gone with the classic option, but you can be damn sure I’ll be firing up ‘Auld Betsy’ later to print myself off a Yiga Clan one.
What’s better than having a whole bunch of Switch or Switch 2 game cases on your shelves? I’ll tell you what, having a whole bunch of mini Switch or Switch 2 game cases on your shelves. Mate, that’s what.
These may, at first glance, seem as though they are meant to be more for fun than anything else. However, they do also provide some much-needed protection. In fact, they are actually a great space-saving idea if you usually cart your cases around when going mobile.
One thing with these: the basic PLA I used seemed a little brittle at first, but the edges do soften up when you bend them, then you’re free to add any covers you want to print off and add.
As you can see, I ran out of time on decorating this one, but jump to the link below to see how amazing a printed cover makes them look. Oh, and that all-important click as you snap the cat into place is reassuringly present.
When I’m out and about and being driven around by either my wife or children, I like to recline fully in the back seat and make full use of my time by playing my beloved video games whilst yodelling loudly. No talking when daddy is playing his games and yodelling, please. Not unless you’re offering me a snack. Thanks.
So, given my life preferences, it seems obvious that I might want an in-car Switch console holder. Of course I do. And this one is nice and quick and very straightforward to print, too!
There are lots of designs for car holders out there, and some of them get very fancy with retro NES looks and so on. However, the way this one hooks on is, perhaps, one of the better designs. It’s very solid and secure as it hooks onto the fully extended kickstand, holding the console firmly in place. Oh, and it just happens to take way less time and materials than most of the rest.
Now I can combat boredom as my wife drives me to the local sweet shop by indulging in a little Race With Ryan in the car. Hey, it feels like I’m really driving!
Time To Print: 51 minutes Filament Cost: 31g Creator/Creation Link:SwitchRest! By Kedde3D
Nintendo Switch Multi-Game Case (Mario Mushroom Edition)
These delightful little containers hold four game carts and are absolutely fantastic quality when you see them finished off. The twisting mechanism on the top here actually surprised me with how robust and smooth it is. These will 100% properly protect and take care of your carts.
What’s more, as with anything else you 3D print, you can change the size, so you could have a giant version, a 50% scaled-up version or whatever you fancy. There is also, of course, the opportunity to go wild with colours, matching all in-game types and maybe doing some weird trippy ones while you’re at it. Hey, they are mushrooms, amirite? Hello? Mario?
Okay, so I cracked and decided to do some less useful items, one of which is an articulated Guardian that, I’m not gonna lie, I might actually be fully in love with.
Articulated figures such as this, I want to point out, are one of the best things to print for instant fun I’ve found, as some of them really go to town with giving you loads of posing options.
So whether it’s this big guy (which you could scale up to make even larger) or any of the many other characters out there, get stuck into articulated stuff. Put the word ‘articulated’ into every search. Change your name to Articulated. It’s your life!
Oh Kirby, you quietly violent little blob. How I adore your ways. So much so, in fact, that I just had to choose a Kirby design for my first Mouse Mode controller adapter. I mean, just look at him!
I didn’t, as it turns out, have any pink filament to go classic Kirby colours here, but all that means is I got to experiment with something a little different instead. Remember with this print, if you choose to go with it, that you’ll need a total of 6 hours and 20 minutes for both left and right adapters, so you might need to plan a little in advance, and this one uses lots of colours by default
So, if you want the classic Kirby look for a primo finish, make sure to stock up on pink, blue, black, white, and red PLA.
I couldn’t finish up without adding this chap, could I? Oh, and in searching for this model, I discovered you can put pretty much any character you can think of into a search and something will turn up to print off!
Got a 3D printer? Printed any exquisite Nintendo-related goodies you’d like to tell us about? Make sure to let us know in the comments, and if anyone has any questions for me about anything here, feel free to ask!
We’re already a month into 2026, and it’s been a pretty solid start to the year for Switch 2. But there’s plenty to come over the next 11 months, including many likely surprises for Nintendo’s newest console.
Amidst big anniversaries for Zelda and Metroid, we already have a pretty solid suite of games coming out over the next few months for the Switch 2, from the Big N itself to third-parties like Capcom and Square Enix, who have gone all-in on the hybrid.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition may have kicked things off all nice and familiar, a there are a lot of unknowns still, but with Mario Tennis Fever serving up an ace soon, and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book keeping us cosy with the kids, things are looking bright — and a little bit different. A brand new Fire Emblem, a Splatoon spin-off, a new Resident Evil day-and-date, and a long-awaited indie Zelda-like from the creators of Shovel Knight. All that and more should make the Switch 2 the place to play games in 2026.
So, there’s a lot go get excited about — but what are you most looking forward to in 2026, dear reader? Yes, we want you to tell us about the games you’re excited to play on Switch 2 for the rest of the year. Only confirmed games, of course; no speculation allowed here! (well, maybe a little).
So we’ve listed out a handful of big Nintendo Switch 2 titles coming out this year in the poll below, but you can also add your own suggestions using the search bar at the top. If you’re looking for some suggestions, then you can use our list of the most-anticipated games for the year or our library of all the upcoming Switch 2 games.
Oh, and for this poll, we’re looking for Switch 2 titles only, for now at least. We’re sure you’re all as jazzed as us (read: this writer) to play Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, but that’s a Switch 1 game.
With that out of the way, pick up to five games you’re really looking forward too; get voting, now!
Something you’re particularly buzzing to get your hands on this year? Share your excitement, and picks, in the comments.
Well done, everyone! We finally made it to the end of January! There was quite a bit of Nintendo news this week, so we’re sure everyone will enjoy kicking back with a couple o’ games over the weekend.
We were treated to yet another Nintendo Direct this week, with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream taking the spotlight. It looked really rather sweet, all in all, and it was nice to get some confirmation on the game’s price, release date, and features.
ACNH done got me again. It’s like a transporter incident has sent me back to 2020 and I’m once again finding solace in New Horizons’ custom design tool, slowly crafting Star Trek-related patterns for my own amusement, watching hours zoom by as I move a single ‘pixel’ one square to the left and check the result. It’s a happy place.
I’m steadily turning my upstairs room into Ten Forward, although I’m painfully aware that in the game somewhere, there must be better furniture to customise and more accurate green drinks to craft, which I just haven’t found yet. I’ve even taken to working through the dreary DLC, hoping to access more cool items. Send help.
Kate Gray, Contributor
I’ve been playing Hundred Line for what feels like one hundred years, and I’ve JUST seen my first real indication that Uchikoshi is up to his usual nonsense. I knew he was, that crafty devil! It’s so good, although I will say that A) it must have been a nightmare to review, and B) you can really tell where the frosting gets a bit thin. They’ve definitely shaved the plot almost to nothing in some places just to achieve the illusion of overall fullness. But, eh, I don’t mind! The bits that aren’t thin are pretty darn great, and there’s more writing in this than I’ve probably read in a year.
Other than that, I bought a few cheapy games in the Steam Sale — Shelldiver and Rocket Rats, most notably, from the same developer. They’re well-polished little incremental games, and they very much give me the feeling that this developer has what amounts to a well-oiled factory machine for making incremental games in his head. I bet he can crank these out as soon as he has the inkling of a new idea. Honestly, I have such a huge respect for developers that can do that! Making games in a particular genre is like working out a muscle — it sucks and hurts and takes forever at first, but then it becomes second nature. Having the basic frameworks already built helps a lot, too!
Oh, god, I just read that the developer is only 25. Gonna go lie down and have an existential crisis. Gagonfe, if you’re reading this, I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY.
Mai Ladyman, Video Producer
I reckon it’s pretty predictable what my games will be this week! After rolling credits on Dispatch, I know I’ll be diving back in this weekend in an attempt to change up my ending and explore more of the what-ifs from my original playthrough. Knowing me, I’ll likely rummage the eShop for some Telltale Games I may have missed out. Other than that, it’s likely another weekend of Pokémon Legends: Z-A or finally starting Tomodachi Life on my trusty 2DS when it arrives!
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
Made my way to chapter 9 of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, loving it! But being a confused antisocial military bad boy who somehow is the love interest of three brilliant non-existent women is not the only fun way to spend the weekend: I have picked up House of the Dying Sun on PC, and it is brilliant! I always loved the Starblade / Star Fox untextured polygon aesthetic, and this game takes it to the absolute extreme with combined fleet micro management. Rumble Roses XX is proving to be a rather solid wrestling title, but a bit too much of a grind for my tastes. It will take me forever to unlock the playable roster, but it does help that I was a fan of the PS2 original. It remains better than the current Switch 2 offerings.
My game of the week is GRID Legends: Gold Edition. I will finally fully recover my investment on the GameCube controller for Switch 2 because no way I will ever play this without the analogue triggers. I was oblivious that the story mode for this uses old-school full-motion video and actors, which gives it a bit of nostalgic charm. I will be spending the next few weeks quite entertained in the virtual tarmac.
Jim Norman, Staff Writer
Last week was good timing for picking up a copy of Tomodachi Life, eh? Yes, I’ve been diving back into the 3DS original over the last few days, and I had forgotten how much I love this silly little game! I’ve scanned in all of the celebs (obviously), and have been dropping in every day to see what’s happening with Reggie, Shaq, Christina Aguilera, Miyamoto and… Zendaya? I caught Aonuma rolling around his apartment floor the other day. GOTY stuff, right there.
Alana Hagues, Deputy Editor
While a chunk of my time has been spent playing a game for review (more on that next week), Animal Crossing has taken up most of my Switch 2 gaming. We’ve been snowed in basically all week here in central Ohio, so not much good trying to go out and have a social life.
But I’ve mainly been catching up on an RPG white whale, which I’m shocked isn’t on Switch: Valkyrie Profile. What a weird, cool game — triAce esoterica aside, I love the tone and combat here. It’s perfect for handheld play. Thank goodness for the PlayStation Portal… I’m eyeing up MIO: Memories in Orbit, but February is looking stacked. So we’ll see. Keep warm, folks!
That’s our plans for the coming weekend. Now it’s your turn to tell us yours, so make sure to get busy with our poll, and let us know all about your weekend gaming plans in the comments!
Speaking to Polygon recently, Hamaguchi mentioned how a status update on the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will hopefully be shared in the “very near future”. So far, this version of the game has been built, and the team is now working hard to optimise and polish it. Here’s the full exchange:
Polygon: “Hamaguchi’s next challenge is bringing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to Switch 2. Though Remake runs great on the console, Rebirth is a significantly larger game, complete with small but intricately detailed open-world zones. Hamaguchi says that the engineering team is handling that tall task well so far, to the point where the port is already far along in development.”
Naoki Hamaguchi: “At this point, we have gotten the game built. Our engineers are working hard to optimize and to provide the final polish on the build. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to provide more information on Rebirth in the very near future. Compared to the first title, the world map is a lot larger, so there is no doubt that it’s a more challenging production process. But our engineers are very passionate about the work that they’re doing, so I’m confident that we’ll be able to deliver.”
Rebirth was released on the PlayStation 5 in 2024. At the time, our colleagues at Push Square gave the title eight out of ten stars calling it a great sequel that retained all of the Remake’s most important strengths while building on an already brilliant combat system, which excelled at showcasing the iconic RPG setting.
This update about the Switch 2 version of Rebirth follows the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade earlier this month on Nintendo’s new hybrid system. A demo is also available on the Switch 2, if you want to test it out first.
Are you looking forward to the next chapter on the Switch 2? Have you played Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo’s platform yet? Let us know in the comments.
Following the release of Apex Legends on the Switch 2 last August, EA and Respawn Entertainment have now announced Season 29 will be the “final update” for the free-to-play battle royale on the original Switch system.
Players on Switch will be able to continue playing the game until 4th August 2026, which is timed in with the arrival of Season 30. After this, the game will “no longer be playable on Nintendo Switch” and this version will not connect to the game’s servers.
Here’s the full rundown from Respawn Entertainment about the Switch version shutdown, including some additional details:
– Season 29 will be the final update for Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch. Future seasons of Apex Legends will continue to be available on Nintendo Switch 2.” – Starting August 4, 2026 (Season 30), Apex Legends will no longer be playable on the Nintendo Switch system. – Until August 4, 2026, players can continue to jump into the action, earn rewards, and enjoy matches per usual. – Beginning August 4, 2026, in-game premium currency will no longer be available for purchase on Nintendo Switch, though any existing balances can still be used before August 4, 2026. Players can use any existing balances from Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Switch 2. – All players progress, purchases, and earnings are tied to their individual EA accounts. Everything that has been earned or purchased, including Apex Coins and cosmetics, will carry over to Nintendo Switch 2, even if you purchase Nintendo Switch 2 after August 4, 2026. – Please note that in some regions, local laws require you to use digital currency within 180 days of purchase. – All the above only applies to Nintendo Switch and not Nintendo Switch 2.
Apex Legends will continue to be available on all other supported platforms. As we continue to evolve Apex Legend’s content and technical foundation, our goal is to deliver a high quality experience. Thanks to Nintendo’s investment in the Nintendo Switch 2, the platform offers a great handheld experience for Apex Legends.
We are deeply grateful to the Nintendo community that has been with us on this journey since Day 1, and we hope to see you on the Dropship on Nintendo Switch 2.
Respawn reiterates in its FAQ about the Switch version’s shutdown how purchases and progress is tracked through EA’s account system and each player’s Apex Legends account, so everything earned and purchased should carry over to the Switch 2 version of the game. You can find out more about this and how to initiate a data transfer on its website.
When Apex Legends originally arrived on the Switch in 2021, we mentioned at the time how it delivered the full battle-royale experience in a heavily compromised state. For more details and information about Apex Legends on Switch 2 and the Switch, check out our previous coverage here on Nintendo Life.
Did you play this game on the Switch? Have you tried out the Switch 2 version yet? Let us know in the comments.
